“Large food drives like this are essential to our mission to fight hunger,” said Second Harvest Director of Food Strategies Megan Nuismer. “We’re so happy to work with schools and organizations like Athlos Academy, both during the holiday season and year-round.”

“One of the tenets of Athlos’ model is developing performance character in our students,” said Camille Wells, spokeswoman for Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish. “Service learning opportunities like this are an opportunity for students to develop character traits, like humility, by thinking of others and giving back to the community.